Judaism – Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key terms, symbols, texts, festivals, and beliefs presented in the lecture on Judaism.

Judaism

The oldest of the three major Abrahamic religions, rooted in the covenant between God and Abraham.

Abrahamic Religion

A faith that traces its spiritual lineage to the patriarch Abraham; includes Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

People of the Book

A term referring to Jews (and often Christians and Muslims) as communities that base their lives on sacred scriptures.

Covenant

A sacred agreement—specifically, the pact between God and Abraham that forms the foundation of Jewish identity.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis–Deuteronomy); the primary source of Jewish law and teaching.

TaNaKh

A Hebrew acronym for the Jewish scriptures: Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Nevi’im

The ‘Prophets’ section of the Hebrew Bible, containing historical narratives and prophetic writings.

Ketuvim

The ‘Writings’ section of the Hebrew Bible, including Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and other poetic or historical books.

Halakha

The collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the Written and Oral Torah.

Talmud

A compendium of rabbinic discussions interpreting the Torah; the central text of Oral Law.

Star of David

A six-pointed star symbolizing Judaism and often associated with King David’s shield.

Menorah

A seven-branched candelabrum symbolizing the burning bush as seen by Moses; one of Judaism’s oldest symbols.

Synagogue

Jewish house of worship, study, and community gathering.

Sabbath (Shabbat)

The weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, commemorating God’s rest after creation.

Adonai (YHWH)

A reverential title for God used in reading the divine name, which Jews traditionally do not pronounce.

Brit Milah

The covenant of circumcision performed on Jewish male infants, usually on the eighth day of life.

Bar Mitzvah

The coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys at age 13, marking religious adulthood.

Kiddushin

The sanctification process that creates a Jewish marriage.

K’vurah

The Jewish funeral and burial rite.

Days of Awe

The ten-day period from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur devoted to repentance and self-reflection.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year and start of the Days of Awe; marked by the blowing of the shofar.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, focused on fasting, prayer, and repentance.

Pesach (Passover)

Festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, celebrated with a ritual meal called the Seder.

Shavuot

Festival celebrating the revelation of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Sukkot

Seven-day autumn festival recalling the Israelites’ sheltering in the wilderness; observed by dwelling in booths.

Shemini Atzeret

Eighth-day assembly following Sukkot, regarded as a separate yet connected festival.

Simchat Torah

Rejoicing of the Torah; celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle.

Hanukkah

Eight-day festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil.

Purim

Joyful festival commemorating the saving of the Jews in Persia as told in the Book of Esther.

Twelve Minor Prophets

Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—short prophetic books in the Nevi’im.

Jewish Principles of Faith

Thirteen foundational beliefs articulated by Maimonides, including God’s unity, prophecy, and the coming of the Messiah.

Messiah

In Jewish belief, the future anointed leader who will usher in an era of peace and the resurrection of the dead.